Leslie Smith vs. Irene Aldana targeted for UFC on FOX 22

According to multiple people close to the promotion, Aldana (7-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is targeted for a fight with standout Leslie Smith (8-7-1 MMA, 2-3 UFC) at UFC on FOX 22. Verbal agreements are in place, but contracts have yet to be signed.

The people spoke to MMAjunkie on condition of anonymity because they were not publicly authorized to discuss the news. UFC on FOX 22 takes place Dec. 17 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. The card, headlined by strawweight prospects Paige VanZant and Michelle Waterson, airs on FOX following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass, though the bout order hasn’t been finalized.

Smith, meanwhile, returns to the cage after attempting to spoil the octagon debut of Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino in May at a 140-pound catchweight fight. A punch from Justino dropped her on the mat, setting up a first-round stoppage. Leslie protested the stoppage.

In five UFC appearances, Smith has hopscotched between wins and losses. A win over Aldana provides the chance to stop another rising star.

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